Domestic Furnishings

Washboards, armchairs, lamps, and pots and pans may not seem to be museum pieces. But they are invaluable evidence of how most people lived day to day, last week or three centuries ago. The Museum's collections of domestic furnishings comprise more than 40,000 artifacts from American households. Large and small, they include four houses, roughly 800 pieces of furniture, fireplace equipment, spinning wheels, ceramics and glass, family portraits, and much more.

The Arthur and Edna Greenwood Collection contains more than 2,000 objects from New England households from colonial times to mid-1800s. From kitchens of the past, the collections hold some 3,300 artifacts, ranging from refrigerators to spatulas. The lighting devices alone number roughly 3,000 lamps, candleholders, and lanterns.

This needle lace table runner illustrates scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry. Scenes before, during and after the Battle of Hastings, England, in 1066 between Harold and William the Conqueror are depicted along the sides and ends of this nine meter long cloth.
Description
This needle lace table runner illustrates scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry. Scenes before, during and after the Battle of Hastings, England, in 1066 between Harold and William the Conqueror are depicted along the sides and ends of this nine meter long cloth. It might have been commissioned for the banquet table in one of the numerous grand mansions built in the USA early in the 1900’s. The Melville and Ziffer lace workshop in Le Puy, France, exhibited an almost identical table runner at the 1906 Paris World Exhibition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900-1910
designer
Melville & Ziffer
maker
Melville & Ziffer
ID Number
1985.0162.01
accession number
1985.0162
catalog number
1985.0162.01
The fan motif, often found on crazy-patchwork, is the dominant pattern for the twenty-five, 10-inch blocks composed of a variety of silk, satin, velvet, and taffeta fabrics. Both machine and hand-stitched blocks are joined with a chain stitch by machine.
Description
The fan motif, often found on crazy-patchwork, is the dominant pattern for the twenty-five, 10-inch blocks composed of a variety of silk, satin, velvet, and taffeta fabrics. Both machine and hand-stitched blocks are joined with a chain stitch by machine. The original binding or border was removed before it was donated to the Museum in 1963, by the Sewing Group, Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Martha Ada Mumma was born July 7, 1859. She married Jacob Emmanuel Thomas (1852-1908) in 1879. They were both born and married in Washington County, Md., and later lived in Baltimore, where their two sons were born. Martha died in Maryland in 1943. Her parlor throw is an example of late 19th-century needlework, exhibiting both hand and machine stitching.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880-1890
maker
Thomas, Martha Ada
ID Number
TE.T12914
accession number
245859
catalog number
T12914
This Milanese style bobbin lace border depicts Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, with her dog. It was probably made in Flanders early in the 18th century. The delicate motifs are executed with bobbin made decorated tapes in fine linen thread.
Description
This Milanese style bobbin lace border depicts Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, with her dog. It was probably made in Flanders early in the 18th century. The delicate motifs are executed with bobbin made decorated tapes in fine linen thread. The connecting mesh is decorated with regularly spaced square tallies.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1650-1700
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E252705
accession number
49730
catalog number
E252705
This table runner has a central inscription of “VLAANDEREN IN DEN KRYG – HULDE VAN ARDOYE – 1915” (Flanders in War – Tribute from Ardoye). Nine embroidered Belgian province shields and the 1915 municipal shield for Ardoye decorate the border.
Description
This table runner has a central inscription of “VLAANDEREN IN DEN KRYG – HULDE VAN ARDOYE – 1915” (Flanders in War – Tribute from Ardoye). Nine embroidered Belgian province shields and the 1915 municipal shield for Ardoye decorate the border. The German Army used poisoned gas for the first time on the western front in 1915 by Ardoye near Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium.
The linen fabric of the table runner is embroidered in satin stitch and French knots with cotton. The floral border surrounding the shields is rendered in the Bruges flower lace technique and braided mesh. Lace and embroidery was made by Belgian women during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1915-1918
part of design
1915
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383961
catalog number
E383961
accession number
172208
This needle lace table mat commemorates the coronation of King George V in 1911. The four women represent Fortitude, Wisdom, Justice, and Peace, represented by the lance, helmet, sword, and shield.
Description
This needle lace table mat commemorates the coronation of King George V in 1911. The four women represent Fortitude, Wisdom, Justice, and Peace, represented by the lance, helmet, sword, and shield. The artist was Bernard Partridge, who published the cartoon in Punch Magazine in 1911. The shields of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales are inserted in the corners of the mat. The center and the shields are made in the Point de Gaze technique. This beautiful needle lace was probably made by Belgian lace makers during World War I in gratitude for British help.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
depicted (sitter)
George V King of the United Kingdom
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T13776
catalog number
T13776
accession number
264477
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th Century
ID Number
TE.T15344
catalog number
T15344.000
accession number
293455
This is classical Italian Cantù bobbin lace from about 1900. It is of fine quality made particularly to sell abroad. Originally apparently four placemats and two long runners, it does not have a sewing edge where the pieces are attached.
Description
This is classical Italian Cantù bobbin lace from about 1900. It is of fine quality made particularly to sell abroad. Originally apparently four placemats and two long runners, it does not have a sewing edge where the pieces are attached. It has two-dimensional animal and flower motifs made in finer thread than the rest of the lace. Animal figures are made first, starting at the outer points and working to the center. This provides neater points as well as the additional threads needed for the larger areas. It also aids in more appropriately and neatly attaching the trails.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T12044
catalog number
T12044
accession number
202257
This tablecloth is embellished with padded satin stitch embroidery and Point de Venise style needle lace. The center insets feature the coats-of-arms of the Allies: Romania, Belgium, Montenegro, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, Serbia, Italy, France, and Portugal.
Description
This tablecloth is embellished with padded satin stitch embroidery and Point de Venise style needle lace. The center insets feature the coats-of-arms of the Allies: Romania, Belgium, Montenegro, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, Serbia, Italy, France, and Portugal. The triangular insets with oak leaves and acorn motifs symbolize strength and endurance.
Embroidered around the border is “1914 A MRS BRAND WHITLOCK 1915 1916 HOMMAGE RECONNAISSANT DES DENTELLIERES BELGES 1917” (1914 to Mrs. Brand Whitlock 1915 1916 grateful tribute from the Belgian lace makers 1917). The lace and embroidery was made by Belgian women during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1917-1918
part of design
1915
1916
1917
made during
1918
part of design
1914
described
Whitlock, Ella Brainerd
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383960
catalog number
E383960
accession number
172208
This panel was specifically designed to express appreciation to the Americans for their help during World War I. The entire panel was executed in fine Valenciennes style bobbin lace by Belgian lace makers.
Description
This panel was specifically designed to express appreciation to the Americans for their help during World War I. The entire panel was executed in fine Valenciennes style bobbin lace by Belgian lace makers. The American Eagle in the center is flanked by the coats-of-arms of Belgium and the municipality of Ruysselede (Ruiselede) in West Flanders. The inscription “AAN DE VEREENIGDE STATEN” (to the United States) is worked into the lace in the top border. “1914 HULDE EN DANK 1915” (1914 honor and thank you 1915) enhances the bottom border. The side borders contain the words “BELGIE” and “RUYSSELEDE” surrounded by floral designs.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1915-1916
part of design
1915
1914
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383967
catalog number
E383967
accession number
172208
This border is constructed with Milanese style bobbin lace. The slender meandering scrolls resemble scrolling vines with flowers and leaves. A variety of fillings decorate the flowers and leaves, including raised edges and tallies.
Description
This border is constructed with Milanese style bobbin lace. The slender meandering scrolls resemble scrolling vines with flowers and leaves. A variety of fillings decorate the flowers and leaves, including raised edges and tallies. The motifs are connected with double, braided bars with picots. The edges are original, made as part of the lace.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1660-1690
ID Number
TE.L7331A
catalog number
L7331.00A
accession number
83674
This square table cover has shields of the nine Belgian provinces in the center and a border of animals representing four of the initial Allied powers: Bear (Russia), Lion (Belgium), Rooster (France), and Unicorn (Great Britain).
Description
This square table cover has shields of the nine Belgian provinces in the center and a border of animals representing four of the initial Allied powers: Bear (Russia), Lion (Belgium), Rooster (France), and Unicorn (Great Britain). The motifs were executed in Point de Paris bobbin lace and pulled thread embroidery by Belgian lace makers during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1919
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383965
catalog number
E383965
accession number
172208
This panel consists of 42 alternate squares of cutwork and lacis, edged with a border of needlepoint lace. The knotted filet net is embroidered with motifs like an elephant, a goddess, a horse, a hunter, and a dragon, among others.
Description
This panel consists of 42 alternate squares of cutwork and lacis, edged with a border of needlepoint lace. The knotted filet net is embroidered with motifs like an elephant, a goddess, a horse, a hunter, and a dragon, among others. The woven cutwork squares are embellished with geometric needlepoint insertions and surface embroidery. It was probably made in Spain or Italy in the early 17th Century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1580-1620
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.L7652
catalog number
L7652
accession number
58000
This round tablecloth is decorated with the American and Belgian shields, and the Whitlock family crest. Mr. Brand Whitlock was the American envoy and later ambassador to Belgium from 1914 to 1921. Mrs.
Description
This round tablecloth is decorated with the American and Belgian shields, and the Whitlock family crest. Mr. Brand Whitlock was the American envoy and later ambassador to Belgium from 1914 to 1921. Mrs. Brand Whitlock worked tirelessly on behalf of the Belgian lace makers during World War I.
The center of the tablecloth is Old Flanders style bobbin lace with needle lace ground. The same lace pattern is used in TE*T14468A and TE*T14468B. A wide border of point de Venise style needle lace surrounds the four shields. Belgian lace makers made this tablecloth during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1918
described
Whitlock, Ella Brainerd
referenced
Whitlock, Brand
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383963
catalog number
E383963
accession number
172208
This Italian needlepoint lace, made in linen of Reticella and Punto in Aria, is in the style of the 16th century to the beginning of the 17th century.
Description
This Italian needlepoint lace, made in linen of Reticella and Punto in Aria, is in the style of the 16th century to the beginning of the 17th century. It shows a variety of archaic figures – lion, deer and man – and includes three-dimensional raised embellishments.
Location
Currently not on view
possible time of reproduction
1875-1925
date made
1575-1625
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.L7607
catalog number
L7607
accession number
unknown
This Point de Paris bobbin lace mat border was made by lace makers in Turnhout, Belgium between 1914 and 1919 for sale by the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The flowers and swans are symbols of the annunciation.
Description
This Point de Paris bobbin lace mat border was made by lace makers in Turnhout, Belgium between 1914 and 1919 for sale by the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The flowers and swans are symbols of the annunciation. The blue print B44/99 among the War Laces in the Hoover Library shows the same lace. It is made of cotton and is of good quality.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1919
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T11808
catalog number
T11808
accession number
198210
This round linen table cover contains the inscription “1915 ARDOYE - KLOOSTER DER H. KINDERSHEID VAN JESUS – WEESKINDEREN” (1915 Ardoye - Convent of the Holy Childhood of Jesus - Orphans) in the center.
Description
This round linen table cover contains the inscription “1915 ARDOYE - KLOOSTER DER H. KINDERSHEID VAN JESUS – WEESKINDEREN” (1915 Ardoye - Convent of the Holy Childhood of Jesus - Orphans) in the center. Ardoye (Ardooie) is in West Flanders, Belgium, in the area where the German army used poison gas for the first time on the western front in the second battle of Ypres in 1915.
The table cover is centered with bobbin lace. Bruges flower lace as well as tape lace and braided mesh techniques were utilized by the Belgian lace makers, who made this during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1915-1918
part of design
1915
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383962
catalog number
E383962
accession number
172208
This Point de Paris bobbin lace border for a mat is two inches wide and made of cotton. It is sewn together as a rectangle with the flowerbaskets in the corners being made on the diagonal.
Description
This Point de Paris bobbin lace border for a mat is two inches wide and made of cotton. It is sewn together as a rectangle with the flowerbaskets in the corners being made on the diagonal. The swan and flower basket pattern is very similar to lace made in Belgium during World War I and pictured in a Commission For Relief in Belgium booklet Belgian Lace Made in Belgium During the War.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1919
ID Number
TE.T14639
catalog number
T14639
accession number
278083
Both ends of this table scarf are decorated with the seals of the United States and Belgium.
Description
Both ends of this table scarf are decorated with the seals of the United States and Belgium. A cornucopia spilling from the US shield to the Belgian shield symbolizes generosity from the American people toward the Belgian people.
The table scarf, with delicate handmade floral designs of Point de Gaze needle lace and mixed Brussels bobbin and needle lace, is appliquéd to machine made net. Belgian lace makers made this during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1919
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383968
catalog number
E383968
accession number
172208
The center of this fine linen tablecloth is decorated with three small monograms "EW" and scroll designs. EW most likely stands for Ella Whitlock, the wife of the American Envoy to Belgium. Mrs.
Description
The center of this fine linen tablecloth is decorated with three small monograms "EW" and scroll designs. EW most likely stands for Ella Whitlock, the wife of the American Envoy to Belgium. Mrs. Brand Whitlock worked tirelessly on behalf of the Belgian lace makers during World War I.
The eight and one-half inch wide border on the tablecloth is executed in Point de Paris bobbin lace with symmetrical floral designs of roses and edelweiss, the favorite flowers of Queen Elisabeth of Belgium. Belgian lace makers made this tablecloth during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1914-1919
described
Whitlock, Ella Brainerd
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E383964
catalog number
E383964
accession number
172208
This pillow top was designed by the Belgian sculptor Isidore de Rudder (1855-1943).
Description
This pillow top was designed by the Belgian sculptor Isidore de Rudder (1855-1943). The design of starfish, crabs, and eels in seaweed with the central inscription “1914 Yzer 1915” commemorates a famous battle at the Yzer River, where Belgian engineers prevented the German troops from advancing by manipulating the locks on the Yzer River to flood the surrounding fields.
This pillow top in point de Venise style needle lace was made by Belgian lace makers during World War I. The pattern is preserved in the Royal Museum of Art and History in Brussels.
Location
Currently not on view
made during
1915-1918
part of design
1915
1914
facilitator
Hoover, Herbert
designer
de Rudder, Isidore
ID Number
TE.E383966
catalog number
E383966
accession number
172208
This is a very good quality flounce of Point de France [d’Argentan] needlepoint lace. It probably dates originally from the late 17th century, but was pieced and mended in the 19th century when some cordonnet was added.
Description
This is a very good quality flounce of Point de France [d’Argentan] needlepoint lace. It probably dates originally from the late 17th century, but was pieced and mended in the 19th century when some cordonnet was added. There is a great deal of raised work, with picots both on the edging and the interior raised work. The entire piece is 134 inches long and 13.5 inches wide and worked in fine linen thread.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1665-1680
date remodeled
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E363083
accession number
118473
catalog number
E363083
This panel is embellished with bobbin lace and silk embroidery. The woven center is decorated with embroidery, drawn thread work and needle weaving. It is bordered with gold and silver (?) bobbin lace insertions and edging.
Description
This panel is embellished with bobbin lace and silk embroidery. The woven center is decorated with embroidery, drawn thread work and needle weaving. It is bordered with gold and silver (?) bobbin lace insertions and edging. The lace is worked with threads made of strips of metal foil wrapped around an un-spun silk core in an S-twist, indicating 17th century. The salmon colored satin stitch silk embroidery alternates with the same geometric motif in gold foil wrapped silk thread. There is a tassel in one corner and the remnant of a tassel in the opposite corner.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 17th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2013.0121.43
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.43

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